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Ferne McCann pregnant by boyfriend arrested for acid attack

Former TOWIE star had only told her boyfriend she was expecting their child shortly before the nightclub horror attack

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Ferne McCann is reportedly pregnant by the man suspected of committing a nightclub acid attack which blinded two people.

And friends of the star say she is horrified and heartbroken, but will battle on.

The former TOWIE star had been dating scaffolder Arthur Collins on and off since 2015, and had allegedly told him that they were expecting a child together shortly before the attack on Easter Monday.

Arthur, 25, is suspected of being involved in the incident at Mangle nightclub in East London, when party-goers were doused with corrosive chemicals, leaving two people blinded and 18 with injuries and burns.

Collins was seen in the club that night, but then vanished afterwards – leading to an international manhunt. After being a fugitive for several days, it is believed that he was arrested by armed officers at an address in Northampton last night.

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Police investigating the attack have also arrested two men, aged 21 and 24.

This Morning’s showbiz reporter Ferne was not at the club, which is a popular haunt with TOWIE stars, that night. And she hasn’t seen or spoken to her boyfriend since that day. Obviously in shock, she is also now facing raising their child alone.

“Ferne is absolutely devastated by what has happened,” a friend told The Sun.

“She cannot believe someone she loved is capable of doing what Arthur is accused of.”

“She is under an incredible amount of stress. We are all so worried about her.

“But Ferne will roll her sleeves up and make the best possible life for her and the child.

“She knows she has no future with someone who’d run away after something like this – let alone if he did what he is accused of. The relationship is over.”

The 26-year-old I’m A Celebrity star had discovered she was pregnant shortly before posing for her first-ever cover shoot with Arthur for OK! The magazine was published on the day of the attack.

And in the interview, a loved-up Ferne spoke about the couple’s plans to set up home together and get married.

“Moving in is definitely the next step,” she said. “And I know that seems a bit rushed, but when you know, you know.

“We’ve spoken about our wedding. We want to get married on a beach. I want it to be a party and celebration.”

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Her friend explained: “Ferne agreed to feature in the glossy mag as she felt the pair would have a long-term future — especially as they were expecting a child.

“She cannot believe how quickly what she thought her life would be has changed.”


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor